Daily Herald (Lake County Edition)

January 19, 2010

Arts group brings message of respect to Carmel students

By Vincent Pierri of the Daily Herald

MUNDELEIN -- It's not clear whether the racial slur or the guy smacking his girlfriend drew the loudest gasps from the crowd. Both were shocking. Both were pretend.

Students at Carmel Catholic High School got an earful and eyeful during a dramatic performance by an arts troupe that came with messages of tolerance, respect and diversity.

The Messages Which Are Hopeful!, known as MWAH!, is a Chicago-based group with a mission to stimulate others to think and to react in positive ways. The group performed at the Mundelein school Tuesday morning.

The nearly 80-minute presentation offered an eclectic mix of arts, including, tap dance, improve comedy, rap, hip-hop and some gymnastics flips, all performed with a purpose. Subjects ranged from suicide, racism, bullying, the Virginia Tech shootings and Haitian earthquake relief among others.

"I'm hoping this unique performance will raise awareness among students about issues related to tolerance, diversity and kindness to one another," said Carmel guidance counselor Christine Hartnett.

Messages of self-respect, determination and hope, came through in a series of skits and songs.

The nearly 1,400 students swayed and clapped as performer Joshua Welton sang, "Who you are is truly beautiful, the way you are. Beautiful, just the way you are."

They watched troupe member Mariza Trancoso perform an interpretive dance about suicide. That resonated with some of the students.

"I was really touched by that dance and the talk she had after it," said sophomore Jessica Bautista. "It was good that she reminded kids they can be open and honest about how they are feeling and not keep everything inside."

MWAH! performs at schools across the country. The nonprofit group is part of Kids Do Count, Inc. and the Chicago Area Project, a service and advocacy agency. Troupe members live in at least 10 communities from Rockford to Geneva.

Personal heroes was another theme. Carmel students and staff recognized four people within the school as heroes. Social studies chair Ben Berg, office administrator Sue Gille, students Emily George and Cristian Migliarese were honored on stage as troupe members sang to them.

"The performance was amazing," said sophomore Enza Lappo. "It was surprising and shocking in some ways, but that was OK. The talent was amazing too."